We’ve had a few nice warm days and it’s been time to start Zelda back into regular work. When it’s in the 50s, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to be outside in the sun.
Not that she agrees. Yesterday, we had a few, well, disagreements about her work ethic. We had been out for about half an hour when she decided she’d done enough. She refused to take the turn I wanted — she knew the shortest way home.
She planted her feet. She squealed. She backed up.
When you have an opinionated mare (is there any other kind?) giving up is not an option. Zelda is smart. And she’s pretty sure she’s the alfa mare.
Fighting with her isn’t an option. She’s a big girl and surprisingly athletic. She would win. Especially when I’m not wearing spurs.
So we negotiated. We changed the topic of discussion. And in the end, we went where I wanted to go.
Zelda still has a heavy winter coat. It is, after all, still February. She really enjoyed her apres ride roll.
Today we went out again, this time with some friends. It was her first time off property in months and she was about 18 hands tall. We had some squealing, a few bucks, and a very wet saddlepad. We didn’t work hard, but it was hot.
The featured picture for this post is after she rolled in the sand ring, near where we parked! Then she rolled again when we got home.
My husband said, “Who are you talking to?” because I kept saying to the video, come on, girl, all the way over, come on! But nooooo.
I love to see them roll, as long as they shake afterwards. But I cringed when I saw how pretty and clean Zelda looked before the roll…but……..that’s what grooming kits are for.
I’m working up the nerve to get my very opinionated mare back in work. I’ve hand walked her a lot, but I’m going to have to suck it up and get ready for a few bucks, crow hops, pirouettes and chats. Spring is in the air.
Don’t forget the squeals! Zelda always gives me a few of those. Such a silly sound for a big horse to make.
Good luck, wear your safety vest and a helmet, and hang on!